Apparatus for detachably fastening a stretchable fabric panel to a rigid frame

ABSTRACT

An improved tongue and groove connector (10) for detachably fastening a stretchable fabric panel (34) to a rigid frame (28) comprises a retainer element (14) defining a groove (22), and a tongue-forming element (12) attached along a line (36) intermediate the side edges thereof to the fabric panel (34) in face-to-face relation to the panel, the tongue (12) being of a width substantially greater than the groove is deep so as to define an insertable portion (30T) which, in use, is seated in the groove and a projecting portion (30P) extending therebeyond to define a handhold. The method of making the connection comprises grasping the handhold (30P) and stetching the fabric to a point where the inner edge (50) of the insertable portion (30T) lies adjacent the entryway into the groove (22), and thereafter releasing the hold upon the projecting portion (30P) of the tongue such that the stretched fabric pulls the insertable portion (30T) into a seated position at the bottom of the groove.



